Long time no see: not a Nigerian Pidgin phrase

The expression long time no see is not a phrase coined by Nigerian Pidgin users as believed by some non-native speakers of English. Though in line with Nigerian Pidgin form and style, it is an informal English expression.

Long time no see is used to greet someone you haven’t seen for a long time when you see them again.

Example:

‘Hi, Nonso. Long time no see.’

I turned and she exclaimed, ‘Is that you, Lola? Long time no see!’

Nigerian Pidgin is an English-based pidgin (combination of English and different Nigerian languages). It is also spoken in some West and Central African countries, such as Ghana and Equatorial Guinea.